What Are the Common Types of Civil Litigation?
When most people think of the legal system, they imagine criminal trials and dramatic courtroom scenes. But the reality is that civil cases make up the bulk of what happens in courts across the country. As a civil litigation attorney based in Clinton, Maryland, I work with individuals, families, and businesses every day to help them resolve their legal disputes.
Civil litigation can involve anything from contract disagreements to personal injury claims. The process can be overwhelming, but when you're backed by experienced legal guidance, you don't have to face it alone. At the Law Office of William Ray Ford, I’ll break down the most common types of civil litigation so you know what to expect and where your case might fit.
Breach of Contract
One of the most common reasons people hire a civil litigation attorney is due to a breach of contract. Contracts are everywhere—in employment, real estate, business, and even services like home repair. When one party doesn't follow through on their promises, legal action may be needed.
Some common breach of contract claims include:
Failure to deliver goods or services: A vendor doesn’t supply products as agreed.
Payment disputes: A customer refuses to pay for work that’s been completed.
Employment agreement violations: An employee breaks a non-compete clause.
Construction contract issues: Builders don’t meet deadlines or specifications.
If you’re dealing with a broken agreement, the first step is often reviewing the contract to determine your legal options.
Property Disputes
Property disagreements can arise in many ways, and they often end up in civil court. Whether it's residential or commercial property, disagreements can quickly become heated.
Types of property disputes include:
Boundary disputes: Neighbors argue over where a property line falls.
Easement conflicts: One party has rights to access another’s property and there’s a disagreement about its use.
Landlord-tenant issues: These can range from eviction disagreements to disputes over security deposits.
Title disagreements: Confusion over who actually owns the property.
Property disputes often require an in-depth review of deeds, surveys, and public records to build a case.
Personal Injury Claims
When someone’s hurt due to another’s actions—or lack of action—they might file a personal injury lawsuit. These cases aim to recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Common personal injury cases include:
Car accidents: A driver’s negligence causes injury.
Slip and falls: Dangerous property conditions lead to harm.
Dog bites: Pet owners can be held liable if their animal attacks someone.
Defective products: A poorly made product causes injury to a user.
Personal injury claims often involve medical evidence, witness statements, and expert testimony to support the case.
Business and Commercial Disputes
When companies disagree with vendors, clients, or even employees, business litigation may follow. These legal matters can get messy, especially when large contracts or sums of money are involved.
Common business litigation issues include:
Partnership disputes: Co-owners clash over business operations or profits.
Shareholder issues: Investors might claim mismanagement or lack of transparency.
Breach of fiduciary duty: Someone in a trusted role doesn’t act in the company’s best interest.
Franchise disagreements: Conflicts between franchisors and franchisees.
A civil litigation attorney can help businesses work through these disagreements before they escalate further.
Employment Law Claims
When employment relationships go bad, legal action might be the only way to move forward. Whether you're an employee or an employer, these matters can affect reputations, careers, and finances.
Typical employment disputes include:
Wrongful termination: Getting fired for reasons that violate public policy or contracts.
Workplace harassment or discrimination: Based on race, gender, religion, or other protected classes.
Wage and hour violations: Not being paid overtime or minimum wage.
Retaliation claims: Punishment for whistleblowing or asserting legal rights.
These cases often involve reviewing company policies, employment contracts, and HR communications.
How Legal Issues Can Overlap
You might be wondering how all these different legal situations relate to each other. The truth is, many cases involve more than one area. For example, a business dispute could also lead to a breach of contract and even personal injury if someone’s physically harmed.
That’s why working with a civil litigation attorney who’s seen all sides of these disputes can make a real difference. I always take the time to fully understand the facts before deciding which approach works best.
Probate and Estate Disputes
Not every family matter is settled peacefully. When a loved one passes away, arguments over wills, trusts, or inheritance can lead to lawsuits.
Frequent estate litigation issues include:
Will contests: Someone believes the will was forged or the person wasn’t of sound mind.
Trust disputes: Beneficiaries question how assets are being handled.
Executor misconduct: The person managing the estate isn’t fulfilling their duties.
Asset division problems: Family members disagree over who gets what.
In these cases, I help families reach resolutions that honor their loved one’s intentions while protecting everyone’s legal rights.
Consumer Protection Lawsuits
Consumers have legal rights, and when businesses violate them, a civil litigation attorney can step in. These cases often involve unfair business practices, fraud, or deceptive marketing.
Examples of consumer protection issues include:
False advertising: A company makes misleading claims about a product.
Unfair debt collection: Harassment or threats from debt collectors.
Defective products: Items that harm consumers physically or financially.
Bait-and-switch tactics: Promoting one thing and delivering another.
A well-built claim can result in compensation and sometimes even changes in how a company operates.
Building the Right Legal Strategy
The legal strategy in civil litigation isn't one-size-fits-all. Each type of case requires different evidence, procedures, and tactics. What works in a personal injury case might not make sense for a breach of contract issue.
That's why I tailor my approach based on the specific facts and goals of each client. I focus on getting results that matter—whether that’s compensation, property rights, or justice in the workplace.
Real Estate and Construction Disputes
Real estate disagreements can arise during a sale, a lease, or a construction project. These conflicts are often high-stakes and emotionally charged.
Typical real estate and construction litigation includes:
Contractor performance issues: Builders don’t complete jobs properly or on time.
Real estate fraud: Misrepresenting property features or legal status.
Disclosure violations: Sellers fail to mention known property problems.
Construction defects: Poor workmanship or materials lead to damage.
In many of these cases, the financial investment at stake is significant, and delays can lead to further losses. As a civil litigation attorney, I help clients assess contract terms, gather expert evaluations, and hold parties accountable for failing to meet legal or professional standards.
According to the American Bar Association, the number of lawyers nationwide has grown by more than 41,000—a sign of just how many people are seeking legal representation for matters like these.
Whether it’s a business issue, a property matter, or a personal injury, civil litigation can take many forms. As a civil litigation attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how legal problems can disrupt lives, but also how they can be resolved with the right support.
Reach Out to a Civil Litigation Attorney Today
At my practice, I work with clients across Calvert County, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel, Montgomery County, Howard County, Frederick County, and Queen Anne’s County to help them fight for what’s fair. If you’re dealing with a dispute, I’d be honored to guide you through your legal options. I’m here to help you move forward. Call the Law Office of William Ray Ford.